There is one and only one reason to
need to have both upper and lower helm!
Redundancy during special times that may require sudden safety measures!
There is one and only one reason to
want to have both upper and lower helm!
Cause Ya Like IT That Way!!
BTW - To those who think a bridge ain't too great - Try it, you'll like it!!
I do bridge piloting 99.5%... But... I have a lower helm to utilize whenever desired or needed. I always start cold engines from lower helm so I can listen closely as they warm up. I also use lower helm whenever working on running engines/transmissions that rest under two huge, hinged hatches in salon sole. And, during that infrequent .05% of the time when weather becomes simply to abysmal to want to stay on bridge for piloting - the salon helm is simply great to stay warm and dry!
Happy Boat Piloting Daze! - Art